2024 chiming in. From my experience with Masterbilt, I bet this is built better and sounds better than the Gibson J45 I got during COVID. The Gibson had glue bleeding from the bracing and had a slightly twisted neck. In 2008, I had the AJ-500 (Rosewood) and the she would SING her heart out with each strum. I put a LR Baggs iMix in her and she was golden. Unfortunately, the neck was just too thick which tortured my smaller hands. I wanted the EF-500 but the neck was the let down. Masterbilts should be much higher than they are.
This review really sold me on this guitar! Love to hear how it compares to the new Epiphone J45 & J45ME versions with the simpler headstock. The nanoflex is a good pickup, has a really nice woody tone through a dedicated acoustic amplifier. Be careful when adjusting or string changing because those nanoflex pickups move around and positioning is key to getting a balanced sound.
I chose an AJ 500 RCE over a Gibson j45, but mine doesn't buzz. Mine has sitka spruce top with rosewood back and sides. It came perfectly set up straight out of the box. It has a much more full tone, but is a dreadnought. I thought the guitar you are playing might be next, but sounds very tinny and buzzy.
Heavy playing on a short scale Gibson/Epiphone doesn't go too well in my experience. But that same short scale and action make for super fun, fast playing, especially single-string. The AJ-45 is on my list.
That makes absolutely no sense. If the Frets are dressed you're probably looking at adjusting the height of the nut or saddle. That is unless the neck is warped. If you are playing too hard then raise the string height or get a heavier gauge string.
+Tim Roof It sounds like garbage because it is. I like Epiphone they make a few models that are phenomenal values.... The AJ-500 was such a guitar. Their entire EJ200 line is. This AJ-45ME one the other hand is a piece of shit. If as a player you can't listen to it's weak tone and distinguish what's missing then by all means own one.
+rmzzz76 I'm considering buying the Epiphone Masterbilt AJ-500RCE. I recently checked out the DR-500MCE at a local shop and really liked it. However, like you, I disliked the AJ-45ME. I do not have access to a AJ-500RCE before I buy, so do you recommend it? How does it compare to the DR-500MCE? Thanks mucho in advance.
First have to say my opnion on the AJ45ME has shifted slightly. With nut and saddle modifications and a good setup these can sound pretty good. I have not played the AJ-500RCE but have played the AJ500R which is by spec the same guitar without the cutaway and electronics. I believe the AJ500R to be the best all solid wood Epiphone since the original Epiphone Texan's back in 60s and 70s. The AJ500R sounds like it belongs in the Gibson family of round shoulder guitars (the AJ45ME does as well, just out of the box it sounds very thin to me). I don't care for the DR-500MCE. The only positive I will say about the DR-500MCE is that these guitars come from factory setup well with low-action so they are really easy to play. Tone wise, you may like it if you are a fan of Alvarez-Yiari guitars. I'm not saying it sounds bad, just saying tone is subjective and it doesn't do much for me. It has a similar character but it doesn't sound like a Gibson. The AJ500, AJ45ME, etc.. are voiced to be similar to their Gibson counterparts.
@@DustyOldCowTown I bought a AJ500RCE early this year, 2018. I couldn't be happier. It came already set up perfectly. Possibly the best value and quality out there.
Paul been watching you for years bro , but gotta call you on this one , your video sounds like your playing a hello kitty guitar , terrible sound im sorry my brother , its ringing and fretting out everywhere
Sounds like you're beating the shit out of the guitar
2024 chiming in. From my experience with Masterbilt, I bet this is built better and sounds better than the Gibson J45 I got during COVID. The Gibson had glue bleeding from the bracing and had a slightly twisted neck. In 2008, I had the AJ-500 (Rosewood) and the she would SING her heart out with each strum. I put a LR Baggs iMix in her and she was golden. Unfortunately, the neck was just too thick which tortured my smaller hands. I wanted the EF-500 but the neck was the let down. Masterbilts should be much higher than they are.
This review really sold me on this guitar! Love to hear how it compares to the new Epiphone J45 & J45ME versions with the simpler headstock. The nanoflex is a good pickup, has a really nice woody tone through a dedicated acoustic amplifier. Be careful when adjusting or string changing because those nanoflex pickups move around and positioning is key to getting a balanced sound.
I chose an AJ 500 RCE over a Gibson j45, but mine doesn't buzz. Mine has sitka spruce top with rosewood back and sides. It came perfectly set up straight out of the box. It has a much more full tone, but is a dreadnought. I thought the guitar you are playing might be next, but sounds very tinny and buzzy.
Heavy playing on a short scale Gibson/Epiphone doesn't go too well in my experience. But that same short scale and action make for super fun, fast playing, especially single-string. The AJ-45 is on my list.
Gotta try this guitar in person if possible. All these reviews don't capture how nice it really sounds and looks. Our lead guitarist has one.
Bro that is buzzy as hell. Mine doesn't sound like that at all
Paul plays every guitar like Marty Mcfly at prom
first. and this aucostic sounds awesome. Just hope it won't cost me a mess load of money like their other products.
+Kera Atkins are you related to Chet?
I've seen them selling for a little under $600, which is great for what you get.
I hear a buzz. Just needs a set up. Playing way too hard for the current action. That's all.
thanks. you are realy smart men. good job.
great revue paul
Nice playing.
Cool guitar!
Hallo. Please tell me your opinion about Apiphone Masterbilt AJ-500RCE. Have you used this guitar? It's very important for me. Thanks )
Get it. You won't regret it. Mine is across my room.
i own like 4 masterbilt over the years they all have fret buzzz. even after set up or fret dressing
Mine doesn't.
Maybe it's the strings?
Maybe you need a new tech...😎
That makes absolutely no sense. If the Frets are dressed you're probably looking at adjusting the height of the nut or saddle. That is unless the neck is warped. If you are playing too hard then raise the string height or get a heavier gauge string.
I have 2 masterbilts, proper care, humidity control and no issues, sounding better with time
Nice guitar but I can't help really disliking the epiphone headstock
Fantastic sounding/playing guitar for the money
What's the name of the tune at 1:50? I'd love to know in order to learn it myself. (:
+Tanner Walker Don't think it's a specific tune.He is simply playing around Em pentatonic.
Tanner Walker The DingleBerry Brigade
I want to like it, but truthfully, it sounds a bit too "buzzy" for my tastes.
+Tim Roof It sounds like garbage because it is. I like Epiphone they make a few models that are phenomenal values.... The AJ-500 was such a guitar. Their entire EJ200 line is. This AJ-45ME one the other hand is a piece of shit. If as a player you can't listen to it's weak tone and distinguish what's missing then by all means own one.
+rmzzz76 I'm considering buying the Epiphone Masterbilt AJ-500RCE. I recently checked out the DR-500MCE at a local shop and really liked it. However, like you, I disliked the AJ-45ME. I do not have access to a AJ-500RCE before I buy, so do you recommend it? How does it compare to the DR-500MCE? Thanks mucho in advance.
First have to say my opnion on the AJ45ME has shifted slightly. With nut and saddle modifications and a good setup these can sound pretty good. I have not played the AJ-500RCE but have played the AJ500R which is by spec the same guitar without the cutaway and electronics. I believe the AJ500R to be the best all solid wood Epiphone since the original Epiphone Texan's back in 60s and 70s. The AJ500R sounds like it belongs in the Gibson family of round shoulder guitars (the AJ45ME does as well, just out of the box it sounds very thin to me). I don't care for the DR-500MCE. The only positive I will say about the DR-500MCE is that these guitars come from factory setup well with low-action so they are really easy to play. Tone wise, you may like it if you are a fan of Alvarez-Yiari guitars. I'm not saying it sounds bad, just saying tone is subjective and it doesn't do much for me. It has a similar character but it doesn't sound like a Gibson. The AJ500, AJ45ME, etc.. are voiced to be similar to their Gibson counterparts.
@@rmzzz76 Agreed completely. I chose a AJ500RCE and it has a full, rich tone. I'm keeping mine for life.
@@DustyOldCowTown I bought a AJ500RCE early this year, 2018. I couldn't be happier. It came already set up perfectly. Possibly the best value and quality out there.
Guitar how much is it?
yusuf Coşkun 699
So are the electronics shit, or is there another reason it's only ever miked in everyone's videos?
what kind of strings are that nylon or?
Steel
Wow! Right off it sounds like crap. Sad.
R.I.P Paul Riario
+billygoat126 What??
dude got that saddle shaved down to nothing no wonder it's buzzing
Sounds like a garage guitar. Breedlove can pawn it easily.
Nope
Could you store drugs inside this guitar and get through customs
Paul been watching you for years bro , but gotta call you on this one , your video sounds like your playing a hello kitty guitar , terrible sound im sorry my brother , its ringing and fretting out everywhere
It's just these horrible electric guitar players who are used to effects and distortion hiding their shitty playing that make the guitar sound bad
OMG...sounds like a banjo..not impressed..sorry epi lovers.
Anthony Ward does it shite
The DR-500MCE has better demos. Watch those.